Packed and Sad
I'm ready to hit the road - my flights in a little over 2 hours, I'm 20 minutes from the airport so I'm enjoying my last few minutes of cable on this trip by watching The Dark Horse, an old Bette Davis movie on TCM - some unlikely story about an idiot who's elected to office, imagine that...
Last night I taught the second of 2 classes at Creative Fibers, and I had such a nice time! Bonnie has a lovely shop - I'm very impressed with the spinning, weaving and dyeing supplies she carries - and it was wonderful to have a nice room in the back to hold the classes. We did color last night - and I always work my color students rather hard. I've found the students here in MN tend to be hard on themselves anyway - an odd mix of "I should be able to do this, darn it!" and "Of COURSE I can do this, darn it!" It's that farm work ethic, I think, and I have it in spades myself. But it can make us frustrated when trying something new - it can make us feel tense, and that makes it impossible to really learn anything. I'm very familiar with the tight fist in the stomach feeling, all clenched up, that seems to block any new thoughts from entering the stomach.
My job is to slowly unclench that fist - as well as providing the education - and sometimes I feel that I'm better at it than other times. I wish I would have been more skillful in that last night.
The plaid is not easy. But it can be broken down into relatively simple steps. The trick is to get the class to trust me so implicitly that they trust that I trust them to get it. Just about everyone got it last night - and their swatches looked lovely - but of course I have the nagging feeling that I could have done better. Oh, well...
I've been asked by the MN Guild to come back next year as the keynote speaker at the Yarnover event, and I'm so thrilled to be able to say YES!. And maybe I won't even have to travel far to get here...
I'm happy to be going back to see the kids, the husband, the dog, the cats, and my wonderful house and neighbors. I'm sad to be leaving the Twin Cities, because I've really grown to love it in a short period. I think my commentor had a point, though, and a return with the family for a vacation would make the most sense to see how we ALL like it here.
And the job thing. We'll see how that pans out - if it's meant to be, it will be! One thing is for sure, Gerry certainly couldn't be any more unhappy in his job than he is now, and that makes me very sad, which is a terrible thing to be on such a beautiful day!
The parks here are amazing - and yesterday was perhaps one of the most beautiful days I've ever spent! I visited parks, sat and read a bit and walked, played with some dogs and talked to some nice folks. It's absolutely amazing here. Obviously I don't understand the ins and outs of Minnesota politics, the history and back story, but from a visitor it appears that the money (taxes) have gone to make life a little better for everyone.
We pay unholy high taxes in NJ, and at times it just feels that they must be going into someone's pocket because certain important parts of life are always underfunded. It just feels that for $14,000 a year in property taxes on a relatively modest 3 bedroom house, we should have a higher quality of life. There are a LOT of reasons for that (NJ is broken into such small little villages and towns and cities, all with their own small fiefdoms. Many kingdoms mean lots of tax. I'm happy and proud to pay my taxes, I feel it's the sign of a civilized society that we share with each other to raise the level of life for all, but what we pay in NJ is simply insane. Even more insane is that taxes in our county are so much higher than 15 miles down the road in a different county - the burden of caring for poorer areas isn't evenly distributed across the state, and that is hard on those of us in Essex County.
The highest property taxes I saw listed on the many brochures I picked up on my travels this week was $4,500. And that was twice as much as the next highest tax amount. The average was around $1,800, which seems like it must be a misprint. I could tell, talking to Gerry on the phone, that one of his reservations about moving is the cost of the move itself. When I told him about the taxes he said, "Geeze - what we'd save in one year would more than cover the move!" - life is funny, huh?
But all of this dreaming and planning is moot if Gerry can't find a job here - so that's our next consideration.
Last night I taught the second of 2 classes at Creative Fibers, and I had such a nice time! Bonnie has a lovely shop - I'm very impressed with the spinning, weaving and dyeing supplies she carries - and it was wonderful to have a nice room in the back to hold the classes. We did color last night - and I always work my color students rather hard. I've found the students here in MN tend to be hard on themselves anyway - an odd mix of "I should be able to do this, darn it!" and "Of COURSE I can do this, darn it!" It's that farm work ethic, I think, and I have it in spades myself. But it can make us frustrated when trying something new - it can make us feel tense, and that makes it impossible to really learn anything. I'm very familiar with the tight fist in the stomach feeling, all clenched up, that seems to block any new thoughts from entering the stomach.
My job is to slowly unclench that fist - as well as providing the education - and sometimes I feel that I'm better at it than other times. I wish I would have been more skillful in that last night.
The plaid is not easy. But it can be broken down into relatively simple steps. The trick is to get the class to trust me so implicitly that they trust that I trust them to get it. Just about everyone got it last night - and their swatches looked lovely - but of course I have the nagging feeling that I could have done better. Oh, well...
I've been asked by the MN Guild to come back next year as the keynote speaker at the Yarnover event, and I'm so thrilled to be able to say YES!. And maybe I won't even have to travel far to get here...
I'm happy to be going back to see the kids, the husband, the dog, the cats, and my wonderful house and neighbors. I'm sad to be leaving the Twin Cities, because I've really grown to love it in a short period. I think my commentor had a point, though, and a return with the family for a vacation would make the most sense to see how we ALL like it here.
And the job thing. We'll see how that pans out - if it's meant to be, it will be! One thing is for sure, Gerry certainly couldn't be any more unhappy in his job than he is now, and that makes me very sad, which is a terrible thing to be on such a beautiful day!
The parks here are amazing - and yesterday was perhaps one of the most beautiful days I've ever spent! I visited parks, sat and read a bit and walked, played with some dogs and talked to some nice folks. It's absolutely amazing here. Obviously I don't understand the ins and outs of Minnesota politics, the history and back story, but from a visitor it appears that the money (taxes) have gone to make life a little better for everyone.
We pay unholy high taxes in NJ, and at times it just feels that they must be going into someone's pocket because certain important parts of life are always underfunded. It just feels that for $14,000 a year in property taxes on a relatively modest 3 bedroom house, we should have a higher quality of life. There are a LOT of reasons for that (NJ is broken into such small little villages and towns and cities, all with their own small fiefdoms. Many kingdoms mean lots of tax. I'm happy and proud to pay my taxes, I feel it's the sign of a civilized society that we share with each other to raise the level of life for all, but what we pay in NJ is simply insane. Even more insane is that taxes in our county are so much higher than 15 miles down the road in a different county - the burden of caring for poorer areas isn't evenly distributed across the state, and that is hard on those of us in Essex County.
The highest property taxes I saw listed on the many brochures I picked up on my travels this week was $4,500. And that was twice as much as the next highest tax amount. The average was around $1,800, which seems like it must be a misprint. I could tell, talking to Gerry on the phone, that one of his reservations about moving is the cost of the move itself. When I told him about the taxes he said, "Geeze - what we'd save in one year would more than cover the move!" - life is funny, huh?
But all of this dreaming and planning is moot if Gerry can't find a job here - so that's our next consideration.
17 Comments:
Ah, Annie, we Minnesotans reluctantly say good bye for now as you return home. But please know that if you are going to be the keynote speaker at next year's Yarn Over, it makes us doubly anxious for next year to arrive. It is sad that you won't be with us over Mother's Day weekend, you would so enjoy the Shepard's Harvest Wool Festival!
I was just talking to a friend whose in-laws live in NJ. They just sold their house on the water to live in another county because of the taxes--retirement and property taxes don't mix. I wish all of you the best of luck in deciding. My dh and I have had our share of moves and it isn't easy, but it is doable and the expenses can be a great investment. The best thing IS to visit and see how all will like it--but don't go in winter!
Holy guacamole!! You pay $14,000 in property tax?? How can anyone live in NJ? geez! I couldn't imagine having to pay that much! Wow!! How can one pay that and still feed a family! I sure hope the move pans out for you!
Denise
knitchat.com
I spent a summer living and working in Minneapolis and it still remains one of my all time favorite place to visit - be wary of the winters - they are more than cold, they are downright brutal and painful. It truly is a fab town and the people made me feel sooo welcome. They also have great culture, museums, lakes, parks, eateries, etc. as well as a great public transit.
I'm so glad you enjoyed your time in MN. I was shocked by your Property Tax amount - can't imagine it makes home ownership easy. Best wishes for a safe trip home.
It's a very cool experience to feel at home somewhere that you have never been before. It brings up a lot of space/time issues that are fun to ponder!
I'm glad your trip was a success! :)
You could always move to Georgia and pay $450! Yup, that's what I pay for my property taxes, every year. It's hot in places, but North Georgia has the 4 seasons.
Just thought I'd throw that in there for you.
Love reading your blog and about all your travels. Have a safe trip home.
Sheri in GA
14,000 in property taxes seems absurd to me...it might make the move worth it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Gerry.
Hello Anne, I have lived in Minnesota all my life and love it but being married to a native Texan has made me sensitive to the fact that some people don't like our winters. Just make sure you have considered our cold winters before you pull up stakes.
What helps?
Heated car seats
A heated garage
Thrummed mittens
Knowing that if you don't like the weather it is bound to change within 3 days
Woohoo! Glad to hear you will be next year's keynote speaker. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful "tour guide" to take you around the cities. The yarn shops are marvelous and each one has its own 'style.' The parks have always been beautiful, I'm glad you had the chance to see Minnehaha Falls and from the flowers I'm guessing you were at the Rose Gardens near Lake Harriet. Best of all, you actually some some sunshine while you were here! Have a safe trip home and I look forward to seeing you next year.
Another thing to consider is the seasonal weather and how it compares to what you find comfortable/normal. (I don't know anything about NJ weather.) My brother and his wife can't wait to move out of St. Paul (back to western Washington state) because they think the Summers and Winters in the Twin Cities are miserable. I was there a couple weeks ago and liked it -- they said Spring is by far the best season.
For all those bad-mouthing winters in Minnesota, I'd like to remind you that global warming has hit the Upper Midwest, just as it has everywhere. Gone are the winters of my youth with 30 consecutive days of sub-zero temps. The past few years, people have been complaining LOUDLY that it's been so warm--only a few days sub-zero during the entire season! Summer is great with all the water activity on the lakes and Fall is a delight. And as another poster pointed out--if you don't like the weather, just wait 3 days, it'll change.
I definitely hear the weather warnings - but I grew up in Toledo and Gerry's spent years in Rochester NY & Vermont. I actually HATE hot weather, and I don't think I'd last a year any place further south than Philadelphia - sorry Georgia!
I agree with the writer who mentioned the warming of MN winters. I have barely used my snow blower the past two winters. Winter is what makes MN so great for knitters. Lots of wonderful shops filled with glorious wool for knitting items to wear appropriate to the weather. I so look forward to nesting on my couch during the cold winters and knitting, knitting, knitting...Annie, you would fit right in here - and with the money you save in taxes you could buy lots more yarn!
I almost choked when I read what you pay in property tax. And you pay state and local income tax too? Woo...move out of NJ friend. I could never afford to live in NJ -- I am not working right now, but when i was I never had a job in my life that even paid $14,000 a year!!!
Dang, woman - NJ taxes are wicked!
Yet another reason to come to MN.
Bring the kids, bring the husband, get an inexpensive room at the Towne Place Suites downtown and hang out at the Walker Art Center, eat at Sapor (soooo good!),check out the fancy new Central Library (opening soon!), see the famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture, and enjoy how very cute it is here.
I'm so glad you enjoyed _the cities_! (you're an insider now, so you know what _the cities_ means!) My husband and I are on the one-year plan to move back home, so all your your job- and house-hunting info has been useful. Yeah, it's pretty damn expensive to buy a house in the cities, but the schools and health care aren't to be beat! And, yes, the winters are cold, and the summers are hot, but it's just such a great place. I hope we both get to move soon.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home